Face it. Everything is breaking news now: a mosquito has the nerve to show itself in the desert – Breaking News! A celebrity has a hangnail – Breaking News! And, of course, it’s all negative. It makes you wonder if the news channels are in cahoots with the drug companies who manufacture depression medication.
And, why is it that a simple, casual comment or response to a question becomes so-and-so “speaks out”, as if their words are attacking or adversarial? Well, guess what. Negative and salacious stuff sells. And, in the end, it’s all about the dollar.
But, enough is enough. Is the only way to get around this to avoid the news altogether? There are actually some good things happening in the world. HopeKids is an organization which sponsors activities and events and support for families with children who have life-threatening conditions. Samaritan’s Purse provides humanitarian aid to people in need in response to any number of crises, whether weather or war related or the result of other catastrophic events. They offer help for physical needs as well as prayer support. A cafe is opening in London which trains and employs disabled adults, giving them a chance to make it on their own. A veteran in Maine built some temporary housing for other vets who were homeless. A caseworker adopted a 19-year old who had spent most of her life in foster care. A couple in California adopted seven siblings whose parents had perished in an automobile accident.
How about closer to home? Entering a restaurant with a friend the other day, a kind man waited and held the door for us. He was a patron, not an employee. Oftentimes someone in front of me at the checkout who has a large order will offer me their spot when I have just a couple of items.
You could, no doubt, come up with your own list of courteous and considerate things someone has done for you or that you have observed. You won’t see those things on TV following the urgent intro: “Breaking News!” But, we do have an « off » button. How about this for a headline? « Breaking News! Apparently, we were too negative because no one watches us anymore. »
It’s up to us to “pay it forward”, or to extend a kindness to someone at every opportunity. We may not be best buds with everyone we meet. We may not always agree with everyone who crosses our path. But, we don’t have to be enemies, either. Part of looking at things with Fresh Eyes (5/31/22) is also to watch for the good that is all around – and to be a part of that good. It may not change the news organizations, but it sure feels better.
“I know there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime…” (Ecclesiastes 3:12)
AMEN! Another great, timely reminder! Thank you for blessing us with your insight!❤️
Yes. Amen from me too! Find the good. Do the good thing!
What a great positive spin on doing good!!! Love looking for kindness in a day!! You can find it!!! Spending time on the fruits of the spirit!!! Thank you always for your great input and reminders!!!!
Thank you for reminding us to “refocus” and look for the blessings.
We, you and I, could be the blessing in someone’s life today – unbeknownst to us.
Col. 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” If your eyes see a need, let it go to your heart, and then act. A friend’s grandchild was valedictorian at her high school graduation. Her speech was about kindness. I hope the other young people in her graduating class were listening, and then, may kindness blossom in their hearts as they go about their lives.
It’s amazing what perspective does for you. Having a child with a heart condition has introduced us to the most amazing people and groups. We are blessed that we get to see so much good in the world!